Student claims supervisor became hostile when she told him she did not have time to drive him places

A FORMER Monash University Masters of Fine Art student claims she was forced to taxi her abusive freeloading supervisor to antique shops.

A FORMER art student claims she was called a “Russian prostitute” and used as a taxi service by a freeloading supervisor at Monash University.

The glass artist, who the Herald Sun has chosen not to identify, is suing Monash for damages.

She claims the man supervising her as she undertook a Masters of Fine Art required her to drive him to antique shops to collect purchases and to and from the university’s glass studio one to two times a week.

In a writ filed in the County Court, the now 34-year-old alleges he became openly hostile when she told him she did not have time to drive him places.

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A former student is suing Monash University in the County Court.

She alleges he also asked her to buy him coffees, lunches and cigarettes, demanded duty free alcohol and cigarettes when she went overseas and even required her to arrange to have a shipping crate built for him.

The woman claims that as well as calling her the “Russian prostitute” and “Darling” between 2008 and 2011, her supervisor often made remarks about the size of her breasts.

She claims he also said he had better not turn his back on her as she might stab him with a knife; that she was not smart enough to upgrade to a doctorate; and that she became a finalist in a competition because she slept with the judges.

She further alleges he refused to help her with her thesis and suggested she get another student to ghost-write it.

The former student alleges her supervisor asked her to buy him coffees.

She claims an assistant at the university’s glass studio also asked her to buy her a coffee every morning, to help her with her personal work, and was often late or did not turn up.

When the woman complained in tears to a professor she claims he failed to investigate but told the supervisor, who then reprimanded her.

She claims Monash failed to provide sufficient access to the glass studio and when she sought an extension of time to complete her Masters she claims another professor failed to adequately consider the behaviour of staff before refusing her request and ordering her to immediately vacate the studio.

The woman alleges she suffered “unnecessary stress, bullying and harassment” where it was “reasonably foreseeable” she would, or might suffer psychiatric injury.

She says she suffered chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, with features of traumatisation.

Now studying law at Melbourne University, the woman claims she can only study part-time due to her injuries and will have a compromised work capacity for years to come.

She is seeking damages for her injuries, “loss of opportunity” and medical costs.

Monash University said it was aware of the alleged behaviour of a former staff member in 2011.

“It is unfortunate that despite the University’s efforts, the complaints could not be resolved at that time,” spokeswoman Jo Crompton said.

“As the matter is now before the Court, the University cannot make any further public comment.”

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